Calgon Take Me Away!!



My lil football star,AJ

 AJ is 10 but his life is packed with school,homework,science & history projects,4-H projects..his homework is serving a test driven culture.He is active in Awana @ church,football,baseball & church basketball then there are the sports practices he has to be at which at times feels like an endless checklist.The result is a generation of overburdened & stressed kids in a world where academic cheating & burnout is familiar.One of the most frustrating things abt raising kids in this system is the inability to give them the kind of childhod I had.I had a healthy balance of education,family time & free time.I worked hard in schoolbut felt none of the soul crushing pressure expirenced by todays kids.Schools load on homework because they have criteria to meet.We all get caught up in routine.Sometimes I feel like I'm doing so much it's all a blur to me.Taking breaks from all the craziness of daily life like going away for the weekend or out for lunch with a friend has helped out alot..makes me feel less overwhelmed.And that in itself is a gift for the whole family.

School & Carowinds..




The big peach..:)

  

Proud supporter of breast cancer..:)


 


  July 30th school started here,I felt we had a short uneventful summer..we did celebrate AJ's birthday & he did go to Camp Longridge with our church for a week & we did enjoy swimming in our pool but my dad was sick & was hospitilized on AJ's birthday & I also ended up having gallbladder & hernia surgery.We had planned to go to the beach,to Helen,Ga waterpark & tubing & also to NC to Carowinds.We did end up going to Carowinds the week scholl started we took him out early on Friday.We stayed in a hotel that night & went to Carowinds the following day & needless to say we had a blast.. AJ played a game & won 2 basketballs.We rode some awesome coasters & the bumper cars.check out our pics!



 



The Intimidator coaster was awesome!



Me on the bumper cars..



AJ & I on the Intimidator..:)

 

AJ's 10th Birthday..



AJ rocking out on his electric guitar..:)





AJ's Angry Bird cake

 AJ had an Angry Bird party here @ his house..he had friends & family here.It started off raining & my dad went to the hospital & his grand parents didn't get to come so it was a bittersweet day.But as the day went on the rain stopped & AJ & his buddies did get to go swimming..we had sandwiches,chips,sodas,water & fruit for lunch & AJ had an Angry Bird cake & he got some cool gifts-he got birthday card with money from his friend,Carter,a robot bug,a drencher ball for the pool from his friend,Hunter..his dad & I got him a black electric guitar with flames & an amplifier & a digital MP3 player,his Uncle Alan & Aunt Marilyn got him a skateboard almost as big as a surfboard & some DVD movies-Rio,Jack & Jill & Cats & Dogs:Revenge of Kitty Galore.His sister,Holly & his nieces,Kora,Mylee & Raelee got him a Monte Carlo model car to put together & his other sister,Jessica got him an airsoft pistol & a wind up Walking Dead character & his brother,Roby is going to take he & Stevie to Six Flags b4 they head back to school.Check out the pics from AJ's birthday:



Yummy watermelon & we got creative!



It has been soo unbelevably hot the last few weeks up in the triple digits..we have enjoyed yummy veggies from the garden-corn on the cob,tomatoes,peppers & watermelon...my hubby & I went to Party City to get AJ's Angry Bird stuff for his 10th birthday party..Eddie had to snap a pic of me in Party City with a party hat on..lol

Summer Time Is Here!



AJ in our pool..:)



AJ is such a dare devil..



AJ on the water slide..:)



AJ outside Saskatoons..lol



AJ with his snowcone..:)

Before I had surgery AJ & I were in our pool every afternoon swimming,playing beach volleyball & turning flips..I'm soo missing the pool!! Last month we had our annual Funshine Sonshine Day @ our church..AJ was in the dunking booth which was his thing since he's such a fish n water..AJ had a great time on the torcher machine & the water slide..we enjoyed a Fathers Day dinner in Greenville,SC @ Saskatoons with my brother & sister-in-law where we had a feast all kinds of different game-antelope,alligator,kangaroo,duck,bison,gator tails etc etc & much to my surprise it was yummy..its the most I've ever seen AJ eat n his life..AJ is a fun well rounded kid & what can I say..I'm lucky he belongs to me..:)



AJ in the dunking booth..



AJ's Busy Summer



AJ packed for Camp Longridge..:)



AJ measuring his BIG cabbage



AJ's Angry Bird drawing..:)

 AJ has been busy this summer..we haven't got a chance to go anywhere on vacation because of the sickness & hospital stays but we are still going regardless.AJ went to Camp Longridge with our church last month for a week..he had never been that far away from home without us along but needless to say he had fun..he had his own garden plot over in his poppa's garden he grew some pretty tomatoes & peppers & grew a huge 7lb.6oz. 11 inch wide cabbage..he has been quite the drawer this summer as well..he drew an Angry Bird..hope u all are having a wonderful summer..this heat has been unbearable..ready for cooler weather..

Hospital & Sickness



My dad in the hospital.



I realize it's been awhile since I have posted anything on my blog..srry abt that..school is out & we have been enjoying the pool & well my dad was diagnosed with pre-Leukemia & was put in the hospital because he felt so bad & he had to get 4 pints of blood & platelets..they did a bone marrow test & discovered he has pre-Leukemia..he stayed 3 nights in the hospital the last time he was in a hospital was in 1967 with a kidney stone...now he is getting shots in his stomach for treatment.He has had to get more blood last week..he got more blood on Tuesday July 3rd & the same day I had gallbladder & hernia surgery..was in the hospital 3 nights..My dad is back @ work & well me..I get my bandages off in 10 days..I have the worse cabin fever ever..ugghh! I can't swim or take tub baths now no fun!!



Me after surgery..



My Home Is My Haven..:)



My Home Sweet Home..:)



My hummingbird feeder..:)



Our cat,Goldie in our swing..:)

 There's no place quite like home.Home to me is a place I always want to return to.As a woman I am the heart to my home & all things extend from my gathering.My own mom did such a good job at providing comfort which was traditional & extremely comfortable.Home carries so many meanings & layers.It is my family retreat,the place where our meals are eaten & our heads fall safely in bed at night.On a deeper level it is where the tree of our family finds its nourishment & its roots.It is the physical representation of the beautiful life I've created.It represents my aspirations & my truth.The many spaces of our home reflect my family as a group but also as individuals.You can walk into my sons bedroom & immediately see what he is into-video games,Star Wars stuff,Pokemon,Bakugan,angry birds & sports. You can walk into me & hubby's bedroom & figure out that I love dolphins,lighthouses,palm trees,Pooh & that Eddie likes Nascar,John Wayne plus other Westerns & drawing.My son's drawings & artwork adorn our fridge.However you are able,  make a "home" within your home for yourself & make it a haven,however u choose.It's pleasing to create an inspirational place for you & your family to return to again & again..:)

Eating Time

I had lunch with a friend sometime last year & it was enjoyable but we were within earshot of some other women sitting in a booth nearby us & we could hear their conversation.They said after lunch they would spend a 20 minute workout on their treadmills so they wouldn't feel guilty about having such a good lunch.Time out! When did eating good become a crime? That's all some people can talk about the Bad Guys meaning fats,sugars & the like.Eating has become a high stress activity for alot of people.The statitics of people dying from second hand smoke are staggering but I'd like to see some studies on those of us who are exposed to health nuts.I bet our blood pressure is escalating simply from hearing about it.Don't get me wrong.I believe living a healthy life is not only commendable but smart.And I have no hidden fantasies about the fact that I would be healthier if I dropped some weight.But I hope & pray that should I actually begin this process my mission doesn't mutate so that I become a dangerous & annoying health psycho.In the meantime I will stop the offensive with my only weapon..without batting an eye I will order a slice of cheesecake.The mere thought that anybody in this day & age would still indulge in that evil delicasy usually causes a long silence.And that's just fine with me!

Wonder Bras & Such!

Do any of you remember the popular Wonder Bra? I hate bras period whether they are wonders or not.I love my sports bra tho it is comfy.My hubby knows that I hate bras I swear a man had to have made these bras.My hubby decides one night on one of our date nights while we were walking in the mall that he should buy me a wonder bra..after trying one on I didn't particularly care to have the girls underneath my chin..:~) So imagine my feelings toward this new product:

Mens Boxers from Icebreaker..


The front pouch on these boxer briefs is designed to enhance his bulge kind of like a push up bra for his goodies.All for the low price of $50.Seriously?? I can't even wrap my head around what loser would spend 50 bucks on a pair of boxers to make his junk look bigger.And lets say he lures me into the bed with the promise of what lies in those ridiculously expensive underwear & then his ying yang is pee wee? Umm hello? I'm not going to be very happy. But thanks to the clever butt lifter which has two bands sewn into the fabric & they give each butt cheek a lift..lol Oh well that's just how I roll...They should invent a shirt with pec pads & make a few bucks off these douche bags..LOL!



Being A Mom..:0

Instead of being rebellious in my teens I was rebellious in my early 20's..after I matured & got married & had my son I figured I was through with the whole club scene of seeing nude butts in a single setting..I was wrong I entered Motherhood....I have wiped AJ's little butt numerous more times & seen a bare butt running thru the house..lol And once when he was 4 I heard him crying in the bathroom & went in to see what was wrong..he was yelling Mommy I need help..I was cringing as I walked that way & rightfully so poor AJ used to have problems with constipation..rightfully so this is what I walked into..He thought it was funny because he couldn't get the poop to come out so I had to dig the poop out of my 4 yr olds tush while he was laughing during this not so amusing task.He told me I was the super pooper mom..people don't tell you about this stuff before u have kids.





yep he had poop stuck in his tush..lovely NOT!



I Need To Lose Weight!

I used to have a beautiful figure..all the curves in all the right places..it's so hard to lose weight becoz #1 I love to eat then I've gotten lazy & don't have the energy or motivation to exercise..ugghh! But Wow yesterday I exercised..yea I'm totally serious..I blew the dust off of Jillian & popped her into my Wii.I felt like I needed a stretcher & oxygen.Exercise sucks..that must be why I haven't done it in um forfreakinever..lol! According to my personality I love second helpings & rich creamy sauces over pasta.I need to watch my calorie intake & have portion control.I just need to implement it.I have problems comitting to this weight loss thing.One day I'm all salads,whole wheat bread & fresh fruit.Then the next day I am eating a glazed Krispy Creme donut.And for all the unhealthy junk food I eat sometimes there were days where I rocked it hence the itty bitty weight loss.I'll keep u posted on how I do..

Kora's Big Day

OK for those who don't know me very well..let me fill u in..my brother,Alan & his wife,Marilyn live in SC.Marilyn's son,Jason died last October from complications from his Dechenne's Muscular Distrophy.He had a handicapped van.My brother became his care taker when Jason's dad,Doug died in 2009...but in Dougs last few years Alan took care of them both.Doug had alot of health problems.When Jason died last year Alan & Marilyn had this handicapped van they didn't ever use so my hubby,Eddie has a grand daughter,Kora that was born with Cerebal Palsy..she has never walked & is in a wheelchair.She was pretty much confined to her house outside of going to school,Dr.appts. & church with her grandma.So Alan & Marilyn gave Kora the van.


Alan & Kora with the van..




The Van..:)



Alan w/ Kora's parents,Michael & Holly & Kora..:)

 We had a big weekend..on Saturday May 12,2012 Kora became mobile.Her mom,Holly & dad,Michael were so happy & so was Kora.Holly cried.For the big day Kora & her parents came plus her 2 younger sisters,Mylee & Raelee,her grandma,Diane & her aunt,Julie,her aunt,Jessica,uncle Francisco & cousin,Adrien.We had hotdogs & chips.The looks on everyone's faces was priceless..Check out the pics of Kora's big day..:)

Mothers Day



the picture my son painted of me..



my brother,Alan & I with our mom.















my zebra print wallet..love it!



AJ & I on Mothers Day.

  I had a wonderful Mothers Day.My hubby & son gave me a pink zebra print wallet & a patio umbrella..my son painted a portrait of me plus I got a beautiful card..we got together with my parents & brother & sister-in-law & had lunch @ Cracker Barrel.Hope all u mothers out there had a great day as well! :)

Marriage Is Way Harder Than It Looks On TV



My hubby & I

 Kids complicate things & marriage.Don't get me wrong kids mostly make things awesome.Child centered marriage is a REAL thing...couples whose whole relationship revolves around their kids.That's why fanny packs & Crocs exist.Is it a bad thing to be married to your kids? Well u cant enjoy intimate moments with them & unless they are Tiger Woods they can't pay bills.And those are two really awesome perks of marriage.We've had the we need us time conversation eleventy billion times & it always ends with promises to be more romantic & more lovey dovey & it works for a few days  & then boom we're back to stumbling around  like parent zombies wearing celibacy sweatpants & replacing X-Box 360  controller batteries.But we've been married 11 1/2 years now we usually figure it out at some point n time..lol 

I Need SLEEP!!!!

For the past three nights I haven't slept well at all between my heart skipping beats & beating iratically & my hubby it's been rough.Geez & he talks abt me snoring well he should stay awake & listen to himself sometime..when I sleep I want it cool,dark but with a dim nightlight b/c I get up few times during the night to go to the bathroom..I also don't want to be touched & I want it to be quiet altho sometimes I do turn on my noise machine & it sounds like the ocean.I thought about buying some earplugs because sleeping next to Eddie is a chorus of noises..he not only snores he also grinds his teeth & his toenails scratch my leg quite a few times at night.I assume I'd be just as annoying to sleep beside should I ever be afforded the luxery of REM.That's not the only problem..we are in need of a new mattress!

Mattresses are shockingly expensive.Say if u were to ask me how much a mattress cost,I would assume it would be around the price of a full body tattoo.We have looked in many stores at the mattresses & while we have the option to bounce on it & not spill a glass of wine is cool I just want a normal mattress that doesn't require a remote that we would probably lose anyway.I'll keep u posted on how things go!

                           Heaven In Pipsi's Eyes..:)


I miss my dog,Pipsi..she came at just the right time when I needed her..I was in the depths of depression b/c I was going thru a divorce & she came from a neighbors house few days n a row & we found out who she belonged too after havving to come get her several days in a row her owner said that I could just have her.I was soo happy.Her name was Yoyo but I renamed her "Pipsi".We took long walks together & I told her everything I went thru alot of heartache & pain & she was there with me thru it all.She came to live with me in the spring of 95 & she died of congestive heart failure the summer of 2007..she was 12 yrs of age.She was my baby...she stayed indoors..she slept with me,watched TV with me..we had such a good life together..when I married again in 2000 her & my hubby hit it off from the start then in 2002 I had AJ & we were one happy family.We moved out of our 2 bdrm 1 bath mobile home into a 3 bdrm,2 bath house & Pipsi didn't know what to think @ first of the new house but she gradually got used to it..she slept in her dogbed on my side of the bed on the floor.I still miss her & it hurts just as bad as it did when she died...I'm glad I was here when she died..she died in my arms.She took Lasix & a heart pill & with the meds she lived 2 more years.With her being an indoor dog she was around while we were eating & she got to enjoy table food quite a bit which added weight to her & with her being a Chiuahuhua she looked bloated as time went by & the gas she expelled afterwards nearly killed us.



Pipsi sleeping like an angel..:)




RIP Pipsi I miss you!



My sweetheart,Pipsi

 When Pipsi was younger she had the energy of Pooh's pal,Tigger.I had a true friendship with my dog,Pipsi..she taught me alot without even speaking but she never taught me about how to live the second half of my life without her.I think I got a glimpse of Heaven in an old dogs eyes...RIP Pipsi I miss you so much!!

Relax Mom!



Melting my stress away..:)

 From what I've been able to gather a message goes out over an invisible network that flashes to the world: Mom Is In A Sitting Position.Proceed & De-Sit! Athat moment the doorbell will ring,kids appear holding vital parts of their anatomy,my hubby will call impatiently for help,a phone will ring for the tenth time,a pot will boil over.I used to solve every lil bit of stress with food..my hubby left my headlights on one day & when I went to crank it up to go get AJ from school my battery was dead..I counted to 10 & got in my hubby's car with no A/C & when we got in from school my new found calm was rewarded with a piece of banana bread..everytime I got stressed I ate if I got any more relaxed I wouldn't have been able to fit thru a door..lol so when I need to destress I soak in a hot hot bubble bath surrounded n candles or I drink a hot steamy mug of french vanilla cappacino.So now if I need to relax I don't turn to food...

The God Of Small Things

I've been missing AJ lately..of course I see him everyday & night but well we've been busy..in the mornings we are running around like chickens with our heads cut off rushing to get breakfast,dressed,teeth brushed,hair combed & ready to go to school,then going to get him from school,homework,after school snack,baseball practices & games,Awana,memorizing Bible verses etc etc.



AJ with his baseball uniform on..



AJ AKA Mickey Mouse..:)



Just to think once upon a time it was just he & I  doing things together,having lunch together & then waiting for his dad to arrive home.He was out of school a few weeks ago for teachers workday & we slept in,had lunch @ Taco Bell & had a fun day just spending time together.It was a beautiful warm sunny day & I was in a happy frame of mind..the best things just happen & they take you by surprise.We also cleaned house a lil that day he helped out & made it go faster..teamwrk we call it! I'll never regret giving AJ chores to do around the house.It was a nice day & we talked abt many things & he was calm & laid back a rare thing for my Energizer bunny..we had the type conversations that I love to have with him-sharing our thoughts & ideas,breaking adult concepts down into child size brain friendly chunks..I had forgotten how much I adored my sons curiousity.That afternoon my son asked me some hard questions things even moms dont have answers for..like how many days would it have to rain to fill up a well & what happens to plants in compost..there was nothing about hospitals or dying or Cancer though.And thanks to some high power-the God of small things who watches over children,plants & kittens.It was just me,my son,our 2 orange cats discussing the meaning of life.

My 9 Month Virus



AJ born on June 11,2002 with his mommy & daddy..:)

When Eddie & I got married in the fall of 2000,Eddie was a truckdriver & busy with long hauls.But around October 2001 when my grandma was sick & dying of Bone Cancer I became very sick as well..we went to Helen Ga for the weekend to get away for awhile & instead of having the time of my life..I had the nausea of my life.Some kind of bug was in there turning my insides to shredded wheat.Rather than browsing in all of the shops in downtown Helen I spent the day hustling back & forth to the bathroom.We did finally go out but then I kept running to the restroom & by mid afternoon I had become a regular customer in Stall #3.Then I came to my senses & took a pregnancy test only to find out my virus I had was not a virus it was going to last for 9 months..lol! Finally the big day came 3 weeks early for my C-Section b/c my bloodpressure was soaring my Dr decided it would be best for me & baby if he did a C-Section 3 weeks early..A few minutes later my handsome son,AJ was safely in my arms.So the so called 9 month virus has enriched our life to the fullest! 

My Testimony

I have a colorful past..several years ago for reasons I won't mention right now..I moved to Savannah,Ga. & was totally transformed by Jesus Christ..I had gotten to a point in my life where I had literally hit rock bottom there was NO way to go but up.After almost a year of being 300 miles from home I gave my testimony in a big church with 300 or more ppl present...if u know me well u know I'm not the type person to stand in front of a huge congregation & talk much less tell my life story & what led me to Savannah.I was a mess that night I gave my testimony not only was I a bundle of nerves but that very day I had gotten some dental wrk done & was coming down off a high-(prescription drugs) that is.I came close to backing out of it because I felt so bad & drugged up but my friend said there were so many ppl that needed to hear my testimony.My brain felt like it had turned to gucamole & I felt like my heels were standing in a pool of drool.My friend got me some coffee & lots of it..lol! My drug inspired makeup was decidedly clownlike.It was cool that night & I warned the pastor that if he expected me to give my testimony to keep it cool or I would fall asleep.I warned the congregation that my testimony would definitely be God speaking because I was on prescription painkillers which had also seemed to kill every other sensation.I told them I had half my face drilled on & if I felt anything now I'm sure it wouldn't be good.I spoke for 20 minutes & I have no idea what I said.All I remember is a teenage girl came up to me & said "You have no idea how much my life has been changed tonight."All I could say was Trust me honey,it wasn't me..It was truly a touch from God!

He is strong in our weakness.No matter what obstacles are visible to our human eyes,God WILL get HIS work done!

Not by my might nor by my power but by my spirit,says the Lord.

Zechariah 4:6

Some More Things About Me..:)

Do you wanna know more about me?

Ok then.Brace yourself! LOL!

My name is Sharron better known as Shay..I have a handsome son,AJ who is 9 yrs old.I'm happily married to my best friend Eddie for the past 11 1/2 yrs..he is my rock! We lived in a mobile home the tin box I like to call it up until AJ was almost 4 yrs old then we moved into our "DREAM HOUSE".We love it here..I have had a pretty awesome life.I have a colored past tho then I met Eddie.

Every mom needs a hobby right? And this is one of mine.It's the outlet that keeps me from selling my life on E-Bay..lol! I also love to paint,scrapbook,write poetry & read.I can't sew & am not that good with crafts tho.I'm a year or so away from the big dreaded "40".I prefer cappicino to coffee,summer to winter,romance to drama,chocolate to cake,seafood to steak,TV to music & the Internet to most things.I drink too much caffeine & avoid alcohol like the plague.I'm just happy being me!

Simple Saturdays

I can remember when Saturdays were reserved for sleep in days,going to the nail salon for a manicure & shopping sprees with my friends or the hubby once I was married.My options were endless! I really never planned on doing the whole "MOM" thing.I never pictured myself on a Saturday afternoon on the playground @ the park or at Micky D's ordering a Happy meal..lol! When I imagined how my life was going to be I imagined the cliff notes version & skipped over all the little details.Those "little details" are what I obsess over now.A simple Saturday now may consist of Saturday morning cartoons & poptarts.I know that there will be a day when I look back & wish for these simple Saturdays so for as long AJ will let me I am keeping my Saturdays reserved for him..:)

Death! :(

It seems like such a pity that the scattered members of families almost never get together except in times of loss.Someone dies..someone dearly beloved & suddenly the phone lines are hot & emails begin to fly.People who keep in touch only at Christmas,people who haven't heard each others voices in months even years are communicating.They say "We want to come"!To comfort each other..to see each other again-brothers & sisters long apart.Aunts & uncles & cousins..second & third cousins too..the whole clan! So many of them arriving from so many places.In this busy world where distances are great & relatives tend to become strangers blood ties are still strong.Despite the sadness of the occasion it is pleasant in so many ways almost like a family reunion.You all sit around laughing,talking & eating food that neighbors & friends have brought in.If only people could have get to gathers when we are all alive but people are so busy & so far apart.It takes the deep seriousness of death to draw us,to make us realize that all lives that relate to us are special-these scattered lives.It's sad to say goodbye but in the end if your heart is right with your maker we will all meet again!

Domesticated I Am!

Where did the year 2011 go?? I don't even know..I turned my back & poof it was over! It goes without saying with kids time flies! On New Years Day we enjoyed some collards,black eyed peas & cornbread..it was wonderful!

AJ is back in school..he was out almost 3 weeks during the holidays..the sleep in days & the all day in PJ's was fabulous..:) I often worry if I'll ever be out of the woods when it comes to my level of worry for the well being of AJ..I think I already know the answer to that & it is NO..lol When he was born my worry developed right away.I worried whether he had enough to eat,about the way he was breathing while he slept,even as he grows I worry abt his development.Then there's the worry of safety-sunburns & falling.Thankfully we've been very blessed to have had to endure any real trauma with him.Outside of his Asthma & the scary event of his SID induced acid reflux when he was a baby he's been healthy & injury free.A friend of mine with teenagers says the bigger they are the bigger problems..I'm thinking it gets worse..I'll be in a nut hut if it gets worse...I'm a worry wart in every sense of the word! Oh well I'll just have to go with the flow.:)

Top 10 Things I'm Sick Of At This Very Moment..

1.Those painfully painful minipops commercials..No tween needs to be singing anything on TV EVER!
2.Winter..cold things..I could do without Winter!
3.Homework..don't mind assisting AJ with homework but seriously come on he's in 3rd grade not middle school..if I wanted to go back to school..I WOULD..most of this homework & projects aren't for these kids they are aimed at us parents!
4.Kim Kardashian-72 days is NOT a marriage-it's a rash!
5.Seeing Easter candy & displays in January-some of us are still recovering from Christmas & Valentines is up next slow down people!
6.Drama..one thing I do not need!
7.Laundry-the dirty kind & also the clean kind that is waiting to be put away..ugghh!
8.Caffeine-I need some NOW!!
9.Socks-so overrated!

10.Snobby ppl..I just don't have time to deal with ppl who think they are somehow better than me or anyone for that matter..face facts we are all created equal!

Top 10 Things I Love About Motherhood..:)

1.It teaches & promotes life long patience-(exactly how many times in one's lifetime can we say flush the toilet..I'll let u know!
2.It gives me glimpses of what I looked like as a child.
3.It has allowed me the ability to perfect the art of baking chicken all different kinds of ways-(picky eater check)
4.Because of Motherhood I know what a Pokemon,Bakugan & clone troopers are & why the loss of them can result in screaming & whining..lol
5.I became a body fluids NINJA- nothing phases me anymore.
6.The realization that you're never too old to play-(I'm not too old or clueless to beat my 9 year old "Video Game Master" @  Wii bowling thank you very much)
7.Caffiene breaks are a real good plus!
8.Momma & Daddy alone time makes for a better mom!
9.Getting hugged & kissed often by my son works really well as an anti depressant-(cost effective & heart warming-Double Win)
10.The giggles-(Hands Down)

This Is Where I'm From

I am from cabbage patch kids & Barbie dolls.I am from a big house with a full basement & a huge backyard with a swingset & a trampoline.I am from homemade meals & desserts & rooms just for guests.I am from gardens filled with green beans,tomatoes,onions,corn,canteloupe & watermelon.I am from yards filled with shrubery,big pecan trees good shade trees,apple,fig & walnut trees.From yards full of all kinds of flowers.From riding bikes up & down the driveway.I am from church on Sundays,big family dinners & holidays.From piles of books,ice cream sandwiches & Walkmans screaming Color Me Badd.From family comes first & from hard work & remember where you came from.I'm from a small town in Georgia..from my daddy's endless bottles of Old Spice & picking on my older brother..lol I am from a family room filled with family photos & photo albums.This is me & this is where I'm from.

AJ's Treasure Drawer

We have many treasures in our house..I'm talking abt those small kid toys u happen to find all over the house & u never know what to do with it.With a 9 year old we have managed to accumulate alot of stuff-a scary amount.While AJ was still out for holiday break we went thru just abt every room in the house & cleaned organized & purged like crazy.I was ruthless & we got rid of bags & bags of stuff.It was fantastic! AJ was great & willing to let go of some of his older things to make room for the new things he got for Christmas.However for some reason he finds it hard to part with the smaller random stuff he's collected-rocks,cards,erasers,stickers,plastic bugs & the list goes on.So I came up w/ a solution-A Treasure Drawer..:)

This has worked really well for us..everything has its place-it's a good thing! A very good thing for my sanity..clutter makes me crazy..lol

Changing the subject:I'm a BIG fan of playtime..I'm not talking abt video games or watching TV..don't get me wrong we have TV's & we watch them & we have tons of video games..but I think playing with toys is crucial to allowing kids to use their imagination & learn to share & play well with others..I'm a big fan of play that requires both imagination & creativity so toys such as Legos,building blocks,brain teasers,card & board games are very popular around our house.Of course getting outside is also important-my hubby plays catch with him & I play basketball with him...my hubby plays football & takes him hunting & fishing.We all ride bikes & go to the park & play frisbee.Hope u all have a fantastic day!

My 9 year old has been pulling teeth like crazy lately..soon he want have anymore to pull they will all be permanet teeth..makes me a lil tearful..:( First comes loose teeth then comes college-it's a natural progression.How did this happen? Only yesterday I was potty training him & feeding him baby food..I was overloaded with all the stuff one needs to survive with a baby & now we're good to go with a Gatorade & his Nintendo 3DS.He used to be in Pullups & learning to stay dry @ night & now he has better aim @ the toilet than his dad does..lol! I just don't know where the time went quite frankly.I used to read him bedtime stories @ night now he reads to me & knows how to tell time & knows how to play computer games..this generation of kids are so smart! As a mom who cannot stop time-(believe me I try on a daily basis) I marvel @ the new accomplishments that appear everyday.I made that-(my son,AJ) with the help of my hubby of course..lol! I have a big,smart handsome,affectionate son who is growing up & bringing me joy every second he is in my life.As a mom that's all I can ask for..:)

Guilt Is Overrated! LOL!

Every now & then I get hit with a pang of guilt that my life is fairly easy.Usually this happens when I'm sitting at my computer doing something on Pinterest or Facebook while munching on whatever candy I managed to pilfer from AJ's bedroom & ignoring the rabid dust bunnies threatning to chew off my toes..lol! It's not like my life isn't filled with its own hardships.He is singularly responsible for providing food,shelter & safety for his wife & son.On top of holding a real persons job,one that does not require Facebooking or IMing all thru the day.People actually depend on him,people other than me & his son.He has a job on top of making sure his son has Pokemon & Star Wars things & his wife has Internet access so she can lol abt things & post things on Pinterest...lol so yea pangs of guilt..lol

Random Things About Me

1.I was blessed to be born into a loving family that will do anything for me.
2.I was blessed to marry my best friend & no matter how tough life gets sometimes we pull together & work together for the good of our family.
3.I love anything beach related:ocean,sand,the smell of cocoa butter,seagulls,sailboats,palm trees,dolphins,lighthouses,seashells well u get the picture..:)
4.I'm a girly girl..love shoes flip flops are my fave,purses,makeup,purfume,manis @ the nail salon,the color pink,roses,bubble baths,scented candles,shopping etc etc.
5.Eleven years ago I married my best friend,Eddie & he makes me laugh..he is the mos intelligent & loving person on this earth.
6.My parents live next door to us..we do things together & for each other all the time.
7.I love flowers but I don't like yardwork of any kind..sometimes I will help my hubby out by mowing the lawn.
8.I think newborn babies smell like Heaven!
9.I love to cook & bake & try new recipes..love to watch Food Network.
10.I love the smell of fresh cut grass & fresh coffee brewing.
11.This is a journey not a race!

Tell someone you love them today-don't waste a moment being mad or regretful!

I Am A Stay At Home Mom

AJ & his g/f,Abi @ the movies..:)

When someone asks me what I do I tell them I am a SAHM..they automatically think I have kids still @ home but no I only have one son,AJ & he is in 3rd grade.I have learned that most people who don't think much of stay at home moms don't know what's involved & how much a family benefits & appreciates what we do.Some people think oh well you have no social skills then do you? I'm keeping our house clean,the laundry done,good healthy meals prepared,running errands,making Dr & dentist appts,taking care of the dog,going to teacher parent meetings,attending sporting events & school programs,making things for school parties & talking to my son about life..what better use of my skills? I do realize this is a personal choice & everyone has to decide what is best for their family.I also have quite a few health problems that also keep me from keeping a job.The bond my son & I have is not for sale at any price.Am I sad or resentful? No just sad that some people don't realize that a mom does know best!